Kinesio Taping
Made famous by the Olympics, the world’s number one elastic taping method is used to decrease or eliminate pain while enhancing muscle, fascial, joint and circulatory function in the body through proprioceptive feedback.
The advantage of using therapeutic elastic tape is that this input is provided 24 hours/day while doing normal daily tasks as well as specific exercises.
Tape can be worn for 3-5 days extending the work done in physical therapy and reinforcing neuromuscular re-education for faster strength, endurance, and stabilization gains.
The proprioceptive feedback provided by elastic therapeutic tape enhances the body’s homesostatic process and thus can improve natural function and performance.
Clients and caregivers (if needed) are instructed in taping for follow through when hands-on treatment is no longer indicated.
How does Kinesio Taping Work?
Kinesio Tape is based on the science of kinesiology, anatomy, physiology and movement. Kinesio tape was specifically designed by Dr. Kenzo Kase D.C. to mimic the weight, thickness and elasticity of skin. Because of this, once kinesio tape is applied most people don’t know they are wearing it within 15-20 minutes. Because it is latex free, there is much less skin irritation than with other types of tape.
The tape is applied to clean, dry skin that is put on stretch whenever possible. Kinesio tape provides proprioceptive input over sensitive neurological structures beginning with the skin. Recoil of the tape provides lifting and decreases pressure, increasing circulation while stimulating optimal contraction/length of muscle tissue depending on the direction the tape is applied. Normal joint range of motion is preserved and enhanced.
The goal in application of kinesio tape is to help the body reach homeostasis by improving circulation, fascial mobility, muscle contraction, joint position, ligament/tendon support, and neuromuscular (brain-body) communication so that the body can heal itself, improve function naturally in a way that will be sustained.
What is Kinesio Taping used for?
Kinesio Tape can be used from head to foot and everything in between. Headaches, Temporalmandibular joint (TMJ), shoulder instability (recurring dislocations), tendinitis (shoulder, elbow, knee, achilles), carpal tunnel, hip, muscle sprains/strains like hamstrings, biceps, low back, knee, ankle, plantar fasciitis, bunions are a few diagnosis that frequently respond well to kinesio tape.
This therapeutic elastic tape can also be used to help endurance for fatiguing muscles and reduce cramping. It can provide mechanoreceptor input to support a joint, help with position, and normalize movement.
Kinesio tape is especially helpful with scars. Reduction of adhesions and pitting, softening, flattening, improved pliability and mobility, and reduction of contractures have been seen in some patients.
Kinesio Tape is used on kids and adults, athletes and business people. Some people are able to use the tape alone without any other intervention, although kinesio tape is often used in conjunction with other physical therapy treatment.
Who should apply Kinesio Tape?
It is best to have kinesiotape applied by a medical professional used to evaluating and determining “best” applications for optimal results and a more dynamic body. Our therapists are trained in this special type of evaluating and can teach clients or family members to apply tape in between therapy sessions if needed.
Applying tape using standard applications from the books or the internet may provide some help but if it does not, then consult with a trained professional. Proper assessment and application is the key to successful use of this modality.